Used in microbiology:
Thio-compounds in biological culture media
In microbiology, people use organic thio-compounds above all as reducing agents and auxiliaries for the growth of certain micro-organisms.
Used as reducing agents
In particular thioglycolates and mercaptans are used as reducing agents in microbiology: thioglycolates bind oxygen – and by doing so create an anaerobic environment.
How does it work? By adding thioglycolate or mercaptan to a culture medium you remove the oxygen or reduce it to such an extent that anaerobic bacteria and other micro-organisms can flourish better under these conditions.
Used in cryo-preservation
Cryo-preservation refers to the storage of biological material at very low temperatures to protect it from decay.
Thio-compounds, in particular dimethyl sulfoxides (DMSO), are used as cryo-protectants for the cryo-preservation of micro-organisms, cells and tissues.
During the freezing process, dimethyl sulfoxide prevents the formation of icy crystals by stabilising cell membranes and bonding the water molecules in the cells. This, in turn, prevents the cells from bursting or shrinking when they freeze. Hence, DMSOs enable the long-term storage of living cells.
What needs to be considered?
To create the desired conditions, the dosage of the thio-chemicals must be absolutely correct, and they must be used in the right way. It is therefore essential to follow the instructions for the usage of thio-compounds to the letter.
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